Key issues still to be decided in Legislature, leader says

Key issues still remain to be decided in the Louisiana Legislature – and
there is still time for concerned citizens to have a voice in what decisions
are made, Ken Ward insisted.

Key issues still remain to be decided in the Louisiana Legislature – and
there is still time for concerned citizens to have a voice in what decisions
are made, Ken Ward insisted.

“There is still time to make a difference in the outcome of many legislative
measures,” said Ward, executive director of the Louisiana Moral and Civic
Foundation. “By acting now, Louisiana Baptists can help make a positive
difference in the state in which they live.”

Technology provides convenient means of monitoring bills and communicating
with legislators, Ward noted. For instance, he pointed out that persons can
identify and monitor bills via the Internet and can communicate with legislators
via e-mail as well

“But along with the opportunity comes the responsibility to do so,”
Ward emphasized.

The current legislative session is scheduled to end June 18, which means the
next few weeks will be critical for what happens in several areas, Ward noted.

The measures include:

 House Bill 37. It would tighten underage drinking laws by prohibiting anyone
under the age of 21 from visiting places where alcohol is sold, including bars.
However, only a public outcry will move the measure out of House Judiciary Committee,
Ward said.

 House-Senate Resolution 7. It requests a study of the problems and solutions
associated with allowing certain people less than 21 years of age to be present
at establishments that sell beverage alcohol. Ward warned some legislators may
opt to approve the resolution – which does not mandate a study – in
lieu of taking a stand on House Bill 37.

 Senate Bill 363. The measure would toughen the driving while intoxicated
law by stipulating a person is legally drunk when their blood alcohol content
is .08 percent, a drop from the current .10 percent. The bill had passed the
Senate but faces a tough test in an unfriendly House committee, Ward said. It
will require a public outcry to move the measure, he predicted.

 Senate Bill 784. The bill would toughen the states “open container”
law by prohibiting either driver or passenger from possessing an open container
of alcohol or from consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. The measure has passed
the Senate. However, opponents moved the measure to an unfriendly House committee,
Ward noted. Once more, it will take a public outcry to keep the bill from being
killed in committee, he said.

 House Bill 1933. It would require the posting of the national motto –
“In God We Trust” – in public schools. It has passed the House
and awaits Senate action.

 House Concurrent Resolution 74. The measure started out as a rejection of
Darwinism as a basis for racism. Now, it has been amended to remove all references
to Darwin. It remains a repudiation of racism. The bill has passed House committee
and awaits full House action.

 House Bill 234. It would require state officials to inform all prospective
spouses of the state covenant marriage license option. It has passed the House
and awaits Senate action.

 Senate Bill 806. The measure would authorize the production and distribution
of a booklet to educate secondary school students in areas designed to help
them “enter and maintain healthy and intact marriages.” The bill has
passed Senate committee and awaits full Senate action.

 House Bill 532. The measure would authorize slot machines gambling at the
live horse racing facility in Orleans Parish. It has passed the House and is
likely to pass the Senate – unless there is action from the public, Ward
said.

 House Bill 761. The measure would authorize video poker machines to accept
larger denominations of currency. The bill represents an “insensitive move,”
designed to take more money from players, Ward said. It has passed the House
and awaits action in a Senate committee. It can be stopped by public protest,
Ward said.

 House Bill1517. The bill would allow “dating partners” to be included
under the Protection from Family Violence Act. The bill is viewed by some as
part of the “homosexual agenda” and as a threat to the traditional
definition of family. It has passed the House and awaits Senate action.

 Senate Bill 882. The bill would prohibit discrimination based on actual or
perceived sexual orientation. It also is seen as part of the “homosexual
agenda” by some. It has passed Senate committee and awaits full Senate
action. (Senate Bill 1083 is a similar measure that remains in committee at
this time.)

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